I've finally completed my switch to a 4 speed manual this weekend after 8 weeks of searching and researching. Early a-bodies aren't the easiest vehicles to come up with parts for but I have most of the sources available and others by luck. I know a few people have asked questions in the past about this conversion so I'll be happy to detail the job (parts) on this site or help on e-mail. Believe me, Chevy guys got it easy.
Hey Mike that's great! Bet it's a blast to drive! I've had it with the 2 speed auto in my '66 Special. I did get a 3 speed manual car to do a conversion....but I still need a flywheel for the 300. I have a V6 flywheel which I understand is balanced much differently. Do you know if the 350 flywheel is balanced the same? Or if you have a source for a 300 flywheel, that would be even better! Have fun!! :3gears:
Walt you did not mention it but I know where there is a 300 bell housing. In another post I have been trying to figure out if it will also work on 340, 401 or a 425.
Walt, It is a blast to drive (especially with the 3:55 posi I installed this summer). It's getting to be winter around here but I was still able to take it out on the road for a couple of miles and couldn't wipe the smile off my face. The flywheel was my biggest problem. I couldn't get an answer, even on this site as to the right flywheel so I called Poston. They had a manual flywheel which they said was for the 300/340/350. It was pricey (235.00) but I bought it anyway. The drilled balancing holes on the flywheel matched the flexplate exactly so I mounted it with the clutch and pressure plate, secured the engine and fired it up. Smooth as silk! I could have saved some money on a used flywheel but at least I know what I have. Good luck with your project.
Thanks Mike! :TU: Glad to hear a 350 flywheel will fit. Too bad I just passed on one on e-bay... ou: FYI: flywheel 64-66 225 V6 pn 1359407 flywheel 66 300-340 pn 1359636 I believe 350 pn is different??? Jim, I have a complete V6 manual setup which will work for me, only the flywheel will not work with my 300. The V6 3 speed trans is geared lower than the 300 trans, but that may be a good thing! My '66 parts book shows the 'upper flywheel housing' pn 9774035 being used on 64-66 225-300-340 engines. BOP bolt pattern- so I think it'll work behind a 455 too....hmmmmm.... The nailhead housing fits nailheads only. pn 1373725 It has the 'round' shape at top.
I spent about $1100.00 total in parts. The flywheel, clutch, pressure plate, fork, throwout bearing, bolts, z-bar, studs, springs, boots and lower rod are all available new from various sources. The bellhousing (I made my own inspection cover from aluminum) was used eBay ($80.). I found the trans locally (a deal for only 150.00) and changed the gasket and rear seal. I found the pedals and upper through rod on this site ($75.). I already had Comp. Plus shifter but for a Muncie. I had to purchase a Saginaw mounting kit w/rods from Jegs. I also removed the left inner fenderwell to access everything easier since I had to weld the z-bar bracket on the frame .The crossmember and driveshaft need no modifications. Bolted right on. My next project is to remove the steering column (again) and modify it to look like a floorshift model (got a plan). :3gears:
